NJ Transit train-car accident kills one, delays service

A car accident involving a single vehicle and a NJ Transit train has left one person dead.

The 7232 train running on the North Jersey Coast Line route bound for New York City struck a car at the Bethany Road crossing in Hazlet at 12:32 p.m. Service between Hazlet and Long Branch was temporarily suspended in both directions.

Penny Bassett, spokesperson for NJ Transit, said the person killed is believed to be the driver of the vehicle.

NJCL service is suspended in both directions between Hazlet & Long Branch due to train (1/2)

The driver was a 90-year-old man who drove around the railroad gates and was struck by the train, according to a press release.

Bassett said 145 passengers were aboard the train at the time of the accident, but no one was injured.

NJ Transit is looking to create a bus bridge between Hazlet and Long Branch, but that effort has been delayed because of heavy traffic in the area, Bassett said.

The vehicle was lodged under the train and caused a temporary stop in service between the two stations. Passengers may experience delays up to an hour in both directions due to the accident, according to NJ Transit.